Us Code § 904 - Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 904 — Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 904. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag

(a) Designation.—The Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag championed by the Bring Our Families Home Campaign is designated as the symbol of the commitment of the United States to recognizing, and prioritizing the freedom of, citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States held as hostages or wrongfully detained abroad.

(b) Required Display.—

(1) In general.—The Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag shall be displayed at the locations specified in paragraph (3) on the days specified in paragraph (2).

(2) Days specified.—The days specified in this paragraph are the following:

(A) U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, March 9.

(B) Flag Day, June 14.

(C) Independence Day, July 4.

(D) Any day on which a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States—

(i) returns to the United States from being held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad; or

(ii) dies while being held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad.


(3) Locations specified.—The locations specified in this paragraph are the following:

(A) The Capitol.

(B) The White House.

(C) The buildings containing the official office of—

(i) the Secretary of State; and

(ii) the Secretary of Defense.


(c) Display To Be in a Manner Visible to the Public.—Display of the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag pursuant to this section shall be in a manner designed to ensure visibility to the public.

(d) Limitation.—This section may not be construed or applied so as to require any employee to report to work solely for the purpose of providing for the display of the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag.

(Added Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVIII, §1804(a)(2)(A), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 686.)

Part B—United States Government Organizations Involved With Observances and Ceremonies

CHAPTER 21—AMERICAN BATTLE MONUMENTS COMMISSION

Sec.
2101.
Membership.
2102.
Employment of personnel.
2103.
Administrative.
2104.
Military cemeteries in foreign countries.
2105.
Monuments built by the United States Government.
2106.
War memorials not built by the United States Government.
2107.
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
2108.
Pacific War Memorial and other historical and memorial sites on Corregidor.
2109.
Foreign Currency Fluctuations Account.
2110.
Claims against the Commission.
2111.
Presidential duties and powers.
2112.
Care and maintenance of Surrender Tree site.
2113.
World War II memorial in the District of Columbia.
2114.
Intellectual property and related items.
2115.
Acquisition, operation, and maintenance of Lafayette Escadrille Memorial.

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–227, §1(b), Sept. 29, 2016, 130 Stat. 934, added item 2115.

1999—Pub. L. 106–117, title VI, §§601(a)(2), 603(b), Nov. 30, 1999, 113 Stat. 1578, 1579, added items 2113 and 2114.

About This Section

36 U.S.C. § 904 is part of Title 36 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 36 U.S.C. § 904. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Related Us Code Legal Topics

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 904

What does United States Code § 904 cover?

Section 904 ("Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 904?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 904" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 904 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.